AD&D Adventures in Space

This article does not describe part of the Spelljammer universe.This article contains real world information about a boxed set written for the Spelljammer Campaign Setting. It is written in out of universe style.

It provides setting information about the Spelljammer Campaign Setting. The product consists of two 96 page books, four poster maps, eleven cardstock sheets (showing deck plans), three sheets of cut out pieces for tactical battles and one sheet of cut out symbols for use with the crystal sphere map. It was published by TSR Inc. in 1989.[1][2]

Contents

This boxed set, the introductory product for the Spelljammer setting, makes the attempt to take Dungeons & Dragons gaming into space with a fantasy flavor, instead of diverging into science fiction (as was done with certain previous attempts).

The Spelljammer setting accomplishes this largely by way of changing the characteristics of space from the real-world layout. The Spelljammer universe (which many consider to be the Material Plane mentioned in other products) follows a layout drawn from ancient theories. The use of crystal spheres and the phlogiston in this setting are what set it apart from science fiction settings and cyberpunk settings, while retaining a general look and feel consistent with the "other planes of existence" aspects of the Dungeons & Dragons game.

Celestial Mechanics - This chapter covers: the planetary display map (layout of the planets, movement on the map, encounters and evasion) and universe building (preplanned universes, DM created universes and randomly generated universes).

Campaigns in Space - This chapter covers: getting started (the type of campaign), getting there (going into space), space adventures, life on other planets (types of worlds and their life forms, monsters by world type, monster appearance and change in monster statistics) and landfall (arriving at planets).